The Haemodynamic Effects Of Cardiac Compression By Large Hiatal Hernia And The Relationship To Exercise Impairment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,270.00
Summary
Large hiatal herniae (HH) often cause debilitating exercise intolerance - the mechanism of which is unknown. This project will define the functional and haemodynamic significance of cardiac compression in patients with large HH, providing new insights into the mechanism of exercise impairment in these patients as well as clinical tools for pre-operative selection of patients likely to benefit most from surgical repair.
Cardiac Matrix Modulation By Platelet Derived Growth Factor To Improve Outcomes After Myocardial Infarction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,009.00
Summary
This project is directed towards improving the poor outcome in patients suffering heart failure. Whilst rates of some cardiovascular diseases are decreasing, heart failure incidence is rising significantly. Once end stage heart failure occurs, heart transplantation is possible but has several limitations including organ availability. This research into cardiac regeneration could potentially lead to a significant therapy for heart failure, thereby translating into life-saving outcomes.
Atrial Fibrillation And Hypertension: Reverse Cardiac Remodelling Post Renal Denervation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,144.00
Summary
Patients with hypertension are at increased risk of heart rhythm disorders, yet little is known if treatment of high blood pressure will improve abnormal rhythm. Renal denervation is a new and effective treatment for severe hypertension; this study will assess the adverse changes in heart structure and function due to severe hypertension, and investigate whether renal denervation can ameliorate these changes on a structural and electrical level.
Genetic Predisposition To Abnormal Atrial Substrate In Atrial Fibrillation (GENE-AF Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$100,531.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder worldwide and its incidence is growing. Our world-first research aims to demonstrate that individuals who carry specific genetic variants are more likely to develop abnormal electrical and structural changes in the heart, which predispose to AF. In doing so, we intend to find the link between genetics and AF, paving the way for research into novel targeted therapies to better manage this complex and difficult to treat disease.
Prediction Of Ventricular Arrhythmias And Prevention Of Sudden Cardiac Death Following Revascularised Acute Myocardial Infarction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,270.00
Summary
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of death in Australia. Patients with coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricular function are at increased risk of heart failure, reinfarction and sudden cardiac death (SCD). This research will evaluate optimal methods to identify patients at risk for SCD following AMI using echocardiographic, MRI, and electrophysiological characteristics, and improve survival by early identification and management of these high-risk patients.
The Effect Of Exercise Training On Cardiac Structure, Function And The Electrocardiogram In Indigenous And Non-Indigenous Elite Australian Athletes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
The sudden death of an athlete is a tragic event with substantial emotional and social impact on the community.Evidence suggests that cardiac screening of competitive athletes can significantly reduce this risk (reduction of sudden cardiac death in Italy by 75%).It is imperative that we obtain data on both indigenous and non-indigenous athletes in the Australian setting to develop a normal range for our population if we are to develop an effective screening programme.
Exploring The Link Between Alcohol And Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence: A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disturbance & is associated with a doubling in mortality (due to heart failure & stroke) and significant morbidity. Recent studies indicate that alcohol intake (even at mild-moderate levels) is a risk factor for AF. This world-first multicentre randomised controlled trial of 200 patients with AF aims to determine whether abstinence from alcohol (or significantly reduced consumption) will reduce frequency and burden of AF episodes.
Surgical Management Of The Pulmonary Circulation In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$114,328.00
Summary
Congenital disorders of the lung circulation are rare. These children often present during infancy with symptoms of heart failure and require surgery to correct these defects. Without surgery, the prognosis of these conditions are poor. Our understanding of these conditions are limited. The proposed study aims to review all patients who underwent surgical repair of abnormalities of lung arteries and veins at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Using Diffusion MRI For Understanding The Relationship Between Memory Decline And Corticothalamic Tracts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,578.00
Summary
Stroke populations are at a risk of dementia. Structural changes have been demonstrated to precede cognitive changes, providing a potential for early diagnosis and intervention. Magnetic resonance imaging markers of structural connectivity are powerful predictors of dementia. As a longitudinal study, this proposal has the unique advantage that I will be able to detect changes in post-stroke brain networks in the 3 years after stroke. This raises the potential for future clinical application.